rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryendowLasting financial support
verb

endow

in-DOW/ɪnˈdaʊ/

To provide something with a lasting resource or attribute.

The donor endows the library with a substantial gift to support its work.

A donor endows a small library with money, presenting a substantial cash gift on its reading table beside the librarian's books.
Etymology
enLatinin, into
+dowLatinendow, bestow

The verb dotare was based on a word for a marriage portion. Endow broadened from providing financial support to bestowing qualities or abilities, treating these too as gifts someone possesses.

In context

Libranima55:57
I want you to endow me with some of those fascinating charms, the spells of which bring all things mortal and immortal to your feet.
The Iliad - Homer (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 2 of 2

More examples

  • The couple endowed a chair in American history.
  • Nature endows these birds with unusually sharp eyesight.
  • The artist endows ordinary objects with a sense of mystery.

Forms

endow · endows · endowed · endowing

endowment noun — Money or property providing lasting financial support.

Similar words

fund
Provides money for a purpose, without necessarily ensuring lasting support.
equip
Provides tools or abilities, often for a particular task.
bestow
Emphasizes giving an honor or gift rather than sustained resources.